Regularly vacuuming your carpets and rugs is essential for keeping them clean, so they look good and last for years. However, if vacuuming is not done correctly, it will not pick up the maximum amount of dirt it could, which means the dirt is left in the carpet. Dirt includes pet hair and dander, grit, spilled liquids and food and grease that has been brought in from outside. Expensive area rugs often come with instructions for vacuuming, but there are some things that apply to any rug or carpet.
Before starting, make sure your vacuum cleaner can work efficiently. Always start the job with an empty bag. When it is half full, the suction power can be reduced up to 80 percent.
Clean-up the Area
Start by moving small furniture and other items out of the area you want to vacuum. Check for small objects that could clog or damage your machine such as coins, paper clips and candy wrappers. Some other small items that may not get picked up by the vacuum cleaner are globs of pet hair, pine needles and threads. The best way to get rid of these is to wrap some packing tap around your hand with the sticky side out and wipe up the hard-to-get material.
The Right Setting
Your vacuum cleaner will have different settings for different types of carpet. A flat-weave carpet will require a different setting than a deep-pile carpet. You may have a vacuum cleaner that adjusts automatically.
How to Vacuum
The first step is to use a crevice attachment and first clean all the edges in the room you plan to vacuum. Next, each room should be vacuumed twice. According to Lloyd’s Chem-Dry, “The first time should be vertically, and the second time should be horizontally. This is the most effective way to reach embedded dirt. When you vacuum the final time, start at the furthest corner from the exit and vacuum while backing out of the room.” If you think your carpet has odors, sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda on the carpet and leave it there for several hours or overnight. It’s most effective if it is applied on a clean carpet, so you may want to vacuum first and then sprinkle the baking soda. It should be easy to vacuum away if it hasn’t gotten wet. Never vacuum wet carpet unless you are using a vacuum cleaner especially for wet carpet.
Tips and Tricks
• Move the vacuum cleaner slowly when you pull it towards you, so it has time to remove the dirt closer to the padding.
• Regularly check the unit for oversized debris that may be blocking the suction, especially if the suction seems poor.
• Regularly check the bag or drum and clean or empty it if it is two-thirds full. When you check the vacuum cleaner for any reason, always unplug it first.
• Area rugs should be vacuumed from the center outward. This will help prevent the edges from becoming frayed. If it is possible, the rug should be turned over and the underside also vacuumed.
• Upright vacuum cleaners generally have stronger suction than canisters as well as a wider cleaning swath. The heavier head makes them better for deep clean.
• When you’re finished, unplug your vacuum cleaner from the plug outlet and never just pull on the cord to unplug.
• If possible, work away from the power outlet, so the cord is not in your way.
Vacuuming is a tough job, and many people avoid it if they can. However, these few steps can make the job much more effective, so you don’t have to do it as often.
